Last night, I got to see everyone again. In sooth, I was so excited to finally speak to Mister Arthur Hazelwood about his portrait that I might have been a bit over-enthusiastic. I had piles of papers of sketches and concepts, and I think he was overwhelmed by all the ideas I presented him with. He vetoed the poses with horses (which I was disappointed in), and ultimately picked one to be done in his townhome by the hearth. It was a lovely pose, though he said he wanted it done standing, so I promised to work up a new concept sketch before we started on the actual painting.
While we were discussing the details of the plans, a young lass named Maudey approached us and asked if we had seen her pet frog anywhere around the tavern. I was slightly more concerned as to why such a young lass was unattended in the Prancing Pony, but my concern for her was overwhelmed by concern for everyone else once she informed us that the frog might be toxic. Arthur and I were quick to help her search the tavern for it; I removed my cloak so that if I happened upon it, I could scoop it up without touching it with bare hands.
Arthur went to search in the kitchens, and as I looked around the tavern (to the best of my ability amidst all the patrons), I ran into Mister Fenley. He seemed a bit short with me at first (I blame myself for that, as I fear myself rude for not seeking him out earlier), but he warmed up once Barliman brought him his soup. The frog was successfully located as we talked, and I followed Fenley to his table, as he also had received a letter.
Our conversation turned to the contents, and he mentioned that it was from a young lass he was fond of but had a falling out with. She was writing to him from Ost Guruth and seemed to be in a bad state. He was waffling over whether or not he should go to her aid. I encouraged him to go, though I did say he should stop at the Forsaken Inn and seek a guide. I had heard that the Lone-lands are dangerous to travel through, and more so when you do not know where you are going.
He did not seem entirely convinced, but I think that is because he is anxious about what she will say when she sees him, considering they had fallen out. I told him if he decided to go, he was free to take me along to make the journey easier on him. He said he would consider it, that I would like this lass, but he did not wish me to get caught up in some perilous journey.
Fenley seemed put off from eating his soup after noting that the frog had been located behind the bar, and he had plenty to consider after reading his letter, so he decided to part ways with me for the night and left to go home. That left Arthur and me alone again to continue to discuss business. We agreed on a timeframe for the portrait work, but as for payment, we are stuck. I do not know what my artwork is worth in Bree coins, and Arthur does not want to risk undervaluing my efforts. He said our best course of action would be to get it appraised afterward, and he would pay me the worth of the appraisal. That seems fair to me.
The conversation soon turned from business, however. We ordered drinks, and talked long into the night. We talked often of my home, of Archet, and the circumstances that led to me uprooting myself and coming to Bree. We spoke of swordplay and games, and Hazelwood seemed to have a very fond affinity for making me blush - which was not something that went unnoticed by him, or his proud smirk. He vexes me; he is entirely upfront about himself and his intentions (and not all of them are good, though I think him to be overly critical of himself). Despite this, I still find myself scrambling to untangle the meaning of his words. Just as I think I have found some hidden undertone in what he means, I am greeted with the blunt honesty that I have read into it too much, and another cocky grin. Yet just as quickly as I am ready to write him off as too shallow and honest, he turns around and says something insightful that draws me right back in - like when we spoke of my artwork.
“I just want to see where you will hang the portrait when it is finished,” I said. “Call me vain.”
And without hesitation, did he speak words over me that I promised to hold onto.
“I do not see what vanity there is in desiring to see what effect you have on the world around you. That is human.”
Urgh - I need to cease thinking of men, and specifically Mister Hazelwood. I should reach out to Miss Piper Plumwood and Miss Belfry; to ask how they are doing and try to form deeper friendships with them.
"Yellow Rose" - Daniel Gerhartz | Art by James Tissot | "Painted Daisy" - Linda Jacobus
